by ​Meshea Crysup, ​Founder RHV​​ & VP Vicksburg Civil War RoundtableAs you gathered in Part 1 of this blog series, Vicksburg vs. Mecca kept coming to mind every time I heard the word “pilgrimage”. However, the rest of “The South” embraced the concept long ago, so I became determined to ditch my previous preconceptions about the term. Once I did that, wow…Vicksburg—“The South” in general—is the PERFECT place for a “Pilgrimage”! The entire town is on hallowed ground!

​The Vicksburg National Military Park contains a good deal of the “battlefield”, but like most similar places, the “battlefield” was actually the whole town and then some. Just coming to stand where brave souls who loved their country, on both sides, fought and died, is reason enough to embark on a Vicksburg Pilgrimage! You will be moved, inspired, renewed, and gain perspective and understanding of this nation’s great—and at times tragic—history. But there is more still!

The old homes stand as testament to a time when life was formality and grandeur were the norm. They are definitely worth seeing! Not just the tour homes, but also the ones that are Bed & Breakfasts now and/or restaurants.

Great, historic figures have called Vicksburg “home”. Some were famous, some were not—but they are all very interesting to learn about. Most of moved on to their final rest, but a few… Well, I am not exactly sure what I think about such things, but the Haunted Vicksburg Ghost Walk is very popular for some reason!

The Mighty Mississippi always leaves one in awe, but when seen taken in from the bluffs of Vicksburg—well there is nothing else like it!

We also have performances honoring the past but worthy of the time of those with modern sensibilities as well! Reenactors “in character”, live Blues bands and artists, local theater productions, just to name a few!

Now that I have taken a fresh look at the notion, I am convinced “Pilgrimage” is indeed a very appropriate term for any trip that involves history. Not just religious history, or history as solemn as the Civil War: Music, architecture, culture, and yes, the Civil War, are all excellent reasons to "pilgrimage to" Vicksburg, anytime. We hope you can join us for our special “Pilgrimage” dates, however, to maximize on tour opportunities. If you cannot, or if you just run out of time before taking it all in, you are always welcome to visit Vicksburg and join us, literally, in Rediscovering Historic Vicksburg!​Below is Vicksburg Spring Pilgrimage info from our website as well as the website link and other event links! See the homes, take some historical and haunted tours, listen to some Blues, have a great meal, take in a play... Come Rediscover Historic Vicksburg! (Click on pictures to be taken to the websites or fb pages.)​

I for one, am very excited about visiting historic Vicksburg and seeing all it has to offer.

Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt

Reply

Meshea

3/19/2017 06:35:00 pm

I must say, it was fun seeing some of it together the other day!
We must do so again but at a SLOWER pace...different agenda! ;-)
Thanks for supporting our blog and all we are trying to do here at RHV!
Meshea